Not So Silent Night 2013

Oakland’s Oracle Arena was sold out for night two of Live 105’s Not So Silent Night on Saturday as fans packed the place for alternative rock artists Arcade Fire, Phoenix, Lorde, Alt-J, Bastille, and The Neighbourhood.

Arcade Fire, a Canadian indie rock band since 2001, headlined the show with songs from all four of their albums, including their latest, “Reflektor.” The new album was released in September and has a Haitian influence inspired by lead female singer Regine Chassagne’s homeland.She is married to male lead singer and Arcade Fire’s founder Win Butler.

This Grammy-winning band rocked the stage to its full extent during their 70-minute set time with 10 multi-instrument band members. From the disco balls, shiny drum set, metallic confetti and the mirror-esque mask worn by Butler, reminiscent of the “Reflektor” music video, their performance was full of sparkle, shine and pure talent.

The audience sang along to every song, from the energizing “My Body Is A Cage” to the conclusionary “Wake Up,” where Butler reminded the audience to love one another.

Before Arcade Fire was the French-based band Phoenix, which played favorites from both “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” and “Bankrupt!” Their colorful light show and trendy clothes matched their high energy level onstage and enthusiasm for connecting with the audience, such as when lead singer Thomas Mars crowdsurfed in the audience.

New Zealander Lorde’s set was dark and minimalistic, with only a drummer and keyboard player to back her up. Despite a microphone malfunction in the beginning, four-time Grammy nominee executed her songs from “Pure Heroine” flawlessly. She remarked that it was the largest venue she had ever played.  But if this 17-year-old girl continues churning out hits and performances like she did Saturday night, her venue size will only continue to grow.

Alt-J did not sound quite as good live compared to the studio versions of their songs, but managed to deliver a strong performance as well.

British indie pop band Bastille had the entire audience singing along to songs off of their newest album, “Bad Blood.” This band exceeded expectations in terms of quality of live sound. They also announced that they would be returning to California soon for a tour.

The Neighbourhood opened the evening when the venue was only about half full. But they contained infectious enthusiasm, conversing and joking with the audience while delivering their smooth, mellow tunes.